Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1887-10-28
MUSIC HATH CHARMS.


4. $500 snvages with His Songs.
When Jesper Vliet, whose father was
one OF Milwaukee's pioneers, was boy
oil fourteen. he shot wolf under rather
thrilling circumstances. Some time
after his adventure with the wolf he
participated in another with the In
dams. While leaning upon the fence
about his fathers house one evening
savage came up the road and addressed
him in broken English. His appear-
ance denoted long travel, and when he
said that he came all the way from
Canada the boy did not doubt It. His
moccasins were torn so that the toes
protrnded. his lcggins were torn and
encrusted with mud. There was that,
however, in his mien that BETRAYED the
chief. There was an encampment of
Indians some five miles to the north
west, and this he was in search of.
Young Vliet offered to guide him to the
lodges. and the two set out together.
but not until the boy had brought the
wanderer cup Of fresh milk and slice
OF johnny-cake from the house. In the
route they passed the swail where Vliet
had shot the wolf, and the boy related
the adventure to his companion.
On arriving at the encampment or
planting ground" the boy saw at once
that the stranger was a chief of great
renown and that unusual ceremonies
were about to be performed in his
honor. Young Vliet was anxious to
get away, but the Indians would not
permit it. They passed him the ''kin-
ne-kin-nick" to smoke. The squaws
offered him venison. and taking his
seat outside the circle Of warriors, he
became silent spectator of the pro
ceedings.
They smoked in silence, not simulta-
neously, but consecutively, the pipe be.
ing passed from mouth to mouth il
order of rank, the distinguished guest
being allowed to inhale the precious
weed first. At length the chief rose,
and with him the assembly, and then
commenced wild scene of rejoicing.
Each of the men, seizing brand from
the fire, fourished it over his head,
joining in a wild dance. shouting in q
| terrific manner.
However exciting this display, it soor
became wearisome to Vliet, and he
made another attempt to leave the
camp. The Indians endeavored, il
their limited English, to persuade him
to stay. One savage said:
"Makee tay with warrior and shoot
wolf"
But the boy preferred to shoot wolve;
about the settlement, and replied thai
he would not 60 with them.
''Makee. gov' said the Indian, witt
much meaning, at which young Vile
laughed in an incredulous manner.
mot want shoot wolf?'
Yes. but my father wants me hom
again"
1t was evident from this that tn
stranger had told them of his proves
with the gray wolf, and also that it wa
their intention to retain him in thei
band if possible. Another savag
tempted him by description of tn
Butte DIES Morris Lake, where they in
tended to remove tEeir encampment
But their persuasions were of no effect
As "a last inducement one of the squaw
sang him song in no siren voice, &C
companying herself on a gourd. Thi
touched Vliet's pride, and, having fin
voice, he proposed to sing himself.
only to show them that they knew
nothing about the art. The rude being
gathered around, and the boy, place.
or log, with the glare of their fire
lighting up his form and features, pro
cee,led to sing for them in a clear
musical voice the time-honored strain
of AUD Lang Syne."
He saw that they were pleased, anc
though no applause followed except tn
characteristic ''ough' and the senter
tious good" by the chief, he felt Ell
couraged to make another exhibition {
his vocal powers. He then sang 9Th
Harp that Once Through Tara IS Halls.
The savages listened as though spell
bound. When he had concluded tn
men took up their torches, and one {
them sisntied that he might go nov
and they would accompany him. Th
they did, escorting him to his father
gate with torches. making the fir
torchlight procession that had proba6I
. ever passed over the soil in honor OF
white being. -Mlwaahes Sentinel